Cubic Yard Calculator
Convert a length, width and depth into cubic yards and cubic metres for soil, mulch, gravel, sand or concrete.
About the Cubic Yard Calculator
Enter the length and width of the area and the depth you want, plus an allowance for waste and settling. The calculator gives the volume in cubic yards, cubic metres and cubic feet, the number of 2 ft³ bags, and the cost if you enter a price.
Landscape supplies are sold by the cubic yard (US) or cubic metre. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, a 3 × 3 × 3 ft cube, or 0.7646 m³. Loose materials settle and some is lost, so add 5–10%.
The formula
yd³ = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft bed covered 4 inches deep, plus 10%
- 4 in = 0.333 ft, so 20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.7 ft³
- Plus 10%: 73.3 ft³
- ÷ 27 = 2.72 yd³, or 37 bags of 2 ft³
Things to keep in mind
- Depth is in inches (imperial) or centimetres (metric); convert before entering.
Questions people ask
How much does a cubic yard cover?
At 3 in deep, about 108 ft²; at 2 in, 162 ft².
How heavy is a cubic yard?
Mulch 400–800 lb; topsoil about 2,000 lb; gravel about 2,800 lb.
Bags or bulk?
Bulk delivery is usually cheaper above 2–3 yd³.